What do you know about unauthorized commitments? Published June 1, 2009 By Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Smith Senior Master Sgt. Bradley Smith NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- Did you know that only appointed contracting officers or delegated government purchase cardholders are authorized to bind the government as specified in their appointments? Air Force procurement authority comes from the Secretary of the Air Force to contracting officers and government purchase cardholders through written appointment. A commitment that obligates the government by any employee other than a contracting officer or purchase cardholder is an unauthorized commitment. Why you should care? There is no upside to unauthorized commitments. Before a vendor is paid, a detailed investigation determines the scope and relevant circumstances that involve the commander, legal officer, vendor, contracting officer ,the ratifying official and others with knowledge of the contract. From here, the ratifying official will make a decision after reviewing the report and determine if the commitment is appropriate for the government to pay the invoice. If it is inappropriate for the government to pay, then the individual responsible for the commitment may have to pay the bill. For more information contact the 99 Contracting Squadron at (702) 652-4003.
